Anguished: meaning, definitions and examples

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anguished

[ˈæŋɡwɪʃt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

feeling

Experiencing or expressing severe mental or physical pain or suffering.

Synonyms

agonized, suffering, tormented.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
anguished	Used when describing a deep emotional pain or distress, often seen in literature or dramatic contexts. 'He felt anguished over the loss of his beloved pet ' 'Her anguished cries echoed through the empty house '
tormented	Implies severe and prolonged suffering, often with a sense of being mentally or emotionally plagued, and is frequently used to describe characters in literature or historical figures. 'He was tormented by nightmares every night ' 'The tormented artist struggled to find peace '
suffering	Describes ongoing pain or distress, either physical or emotional, and is commonly used in both everyday and medical contexts. 'She is suffering from a severe headache ' 'The community is suffering from the impact of the natural disaster '
agonized	Refers to intense physical or mental suffering, typically used to depict severe pain or a difficult decision-making process. 'She had an agonized expression as she tried to lift the heavy object ' 'He spent an agonized night thinking about the consequences of his actions '

Examples of usage

She let out an anguished cry.
The anguished expression on his face was heart-wrenching.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

action

Showing an acute awareness of one's own deficiencies or of the limitations of one's circumstances.

Synonyms

agonize, stew, worry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
anguished	Used to describe extreme mental or emotional pain, often in dramatic or serious situations. She had an anguished look on her face after hearing the tragic news His anguished cries were heart-wrenching to hear
agonize	Refers to the act of suffering intense mental or physical pain, often while trying to make a difficult decision. He agonized over whether to accept the job offer abroad She agonized for days about whether she made the right choice
worry	Used to describe a general state of concern or anxiety over potential problems or uncertainties. Parents often worry about their children's safety She couldn't help but worry about the upcoming exams
stew	Implies feeling worried or agitated over something, often in a less serious or more colloquial context. He stewed over the argument he had with his friend Don't stew about the interview; you'll do fine

Examples of usage

He anguished over his decision for days.
She anguished over the loss of her loved one.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'anguish', meaning 'to choke' or 'to strangle', reflecting the tightness of emotion.
In Old French, 'angoisse' referred to mental or physical distress, showing the historical connection to suffering.

Psychology

Experiencing this emotion can be a response to loss, trauma, or deep disappointment.
It often coexists with other feelings like fear or anxiety, creating a complex emotional state.

Literature

Many poets and novelists use this term to convey deep emotional turmoil, often illustrating the human condition.
Notable works, such as Shakespeare's plays, explore themes of heartache and despair, infusing characters with this profound feeling.

Pop Culture

Songs often express this emotion, using lyrics that resonate with personal suffering, allow listeners to connect deeply.
Movies depicting heart-wrenching stories often emphasize this feeling, drawing audiences into the characters' pain.

Philosophy

Philosophers have long debated the nature of suffering, often linking this feeling as a key component of the human experience.
Existentialists view this emotion as a necessary part of life, prompting individuals to confront their realities and search for meaning.

Translations

Translations of the word "anguished" in other languages:

🇵🇹 angustiado

🇮🇳 व्याकुल

🇩🇪 gequält

🇮🇩 tersiksa

🇺🇦 мучений

🇵🇱 udręczony

🇯🇵 苦しんでいる

🇫🇷 angoissé

🇪🇸 angustiado

🇹🇷 ıstıraplı

🇰🇷 고뇌하는

🇸🇦 مضطرب

🇨🇿 úzkostný

🇸🇰 úzkostlivý

🇨🇳 痛苦的

🇸🇮 mučen

🇮🇸 kvalinn

🇰🇿 азап шеккен

🇬🇪 ტანჯული

🇦🇿 əziyyət çəkən

🇲🇽 angustiado

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,908, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
22905 vaulting
22906 undiluted
22907 rashness
22908 anguished
22909 unceasingly
22910 extremism
22911 skunk
...